By: Dawda Baldeh
Farmers in Gambia’s North Bank Region have raised concerns over this year’s poor groundnut harvest compared to last year’s bumper crop. These concerns were voiced during the presidential tour in the region held on Monday and Tuesday.
“This year, the groundnuts are not good, and the harvest is very poor. We are farmers, and this is worrying because groundnuts are our major source of income,” said Modou Lamin Sarr, a resident of Bantanding Wolof in Jokadou. Several speakers echoed these worries and called for government support for farmers in the North Bank Region. According to Sarr, the youths in his area are actively engaged in farming, but this year’s harvest shows little promise.
Anta Secka, a ward councilor in Jokadou, added that some farmers have been experiencing nightmares since they began harvesting their groundnuts due to the poor yield. “I am calling on the government to help farmers,” she said.
Salieu Jallow, a seasoned farmer, shared similar concerns about the disappointing groundnut harvest, describing it as a major setback for farmers. He also called for better pricing for groundnuts, while acknowledging the significant government subsidies on farming inputs.
Sankung Dampha, the National Assembly Member for Illiasa Constituency, recognized the government’s ongoing support for his constituency but pleaded for additional assistance due to the disappointing groundnut season. Despite the poor harvest of groundnuts, Dampha noted that crops like rice, maize, and coos had yielded a bumper crop this year. “We only have problems with groundnuts this year,” he said.
Chief Fabala Kinteh also advocated for increased support for farmers, especially in light of the current poor groundnut harvest.
Fatou Bah, a female councilor in the Sabah Sanjal Constituency, raised concerns about the challenges faced by women, particularly vegetable growers, such as the lack of access to markets, adequate water, and cold storage facilities.
In response to these concerns, President Adama Barrow reassured farmers that his government is committed to supporting them, stressing that agriculture is the backbone of the country. “We will support the farmers because if we farm, we can feed ourselves and earn income from it. My government will not sit and watch the farmers suffer. We will conduct assessments to determine how we can quickly help farmers,” he explained.
President Barrow further assured the farmers that his government is working tirelessly to modernize agriculture in the country to help achieve year-round food security.
